The head coach criticized the NHL superstar prospect - speaks out now: "Should have been left out"

The head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, Rick Tocchet, and the super prospect Matvei Mitshkov had a turbulent first season together at the club. Tocchet, among other things, criticized Mitshkov’s poor fitness as the training camp began.

Tocchet now told The Athletic that he regrets his comments about Mitshkov.

– It was a lesson for both of us. I think our relationship has been exaggerated. I was frustrated back in February. I should have kept my comments about his poor fitness to myself. I had already said it four times, so I don’t think I needed to say it a fifth time. I learned my lesson and I would take those words back, Tocchet said.

In his rookie season, Mitshkov scored 63 points in 80 games with a tally of 26+37. Last season, more was expected from him, but he ended up with 51 points in 81 games, scoring 20+31. In the playoffs, Mitshkov played only eight games with a total of 0+1 and missed two games from the lineup.

However, Tocchet emphasizes that last season was not a complete failure for Mitshkov.

– I think the coaches did a good job with him. I don’t want to speak for Matvei, but I think he has learned a lot since last year. I believe he enjoyed talking with the coaches. He also played some really good games. He wasn’t bad, Tocchet states.

Mitshkov was reported earlier this summer to be preparing for the upcoming season with a completely different attitude. He trained hard over the summer in Russia and even skipped his summer vacation.

– He has high expectations for himself. I really want to help him feel comfortable on the ice right from the start. I would be crazy not to let him be creative, as that is his gift. I think he has done his work this summer and prepared well for the season, Tocchet says.

Mitshkov is the seventh overall pick of the Flyers in the first round of the 2023 draft. The upcoming season is the last of Mitshkov’s rookie contract, so it is an important season for him as well.